Product Development & Manufacturing Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

Canovation LLC is a dynamic early-stage packaging technology company developing next-generation, all-metal packaging solutions designed to replace single-use plastics at global scale. We are seeking a hands-on Product Development & Manufacturing Engineer to support core product development activities across design, simulation, prototyping, IP support, and early manufacturing.

This role is well suited for an engineer with a minimum of 3 - 5 years of industry experience who is eager to work across disciplines, contribute directly to real hardware development, and grow alongside a fast-moving startup.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Product Design & Engineering

• Develop, refine, and iterate mechanical designs using SolidWorks
• Assist development partners with FEA and structural simulations (Abaqus or equivalent) to support pressure, load, and durability requirements
• Support rapid prototyping, including 3D printing, physical mockups, and test article preparation
• Translate concepts into detailed parts, assembly, and tolerance drawings suitable for prototyping and manufacturing

Patent & IP Support

• Assist with patent reviews from a technical and design perspective
• Generate clear, accurate line drawings for patent filings using Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, or equivalent vector tools
• Support documentation and figure revisions during the patent application process

Manufacturing & Process Support

• Support development and optimization of manufacturing processes in collaboration with tooling, equipment, and production partners
• Assist with troubleshooting issues encountered during pilot runs, trials, or early production
• Apply practical design-for-manufacturing and design-for-assembly principles throughout development

• Work alongside development partners to establish product test methods and quality assurance programs for the manufacturing of product designs

Rendering, Animation & Technical Visualization

• Create photorealistic renders and animations to communicate product function, assembly, and value
• Work closely with the marketing and communications team to develop visual assets for presentations, investor materials, and digital content
• Support technical storytelling through visuals, exploded views, and motion concepts

Project & Technical Coordination

• Support project management activities, including schedules, task tracking, and technical documentation
• Work with tools such as Excel, Microsoft Project, and Smartsheet’s to track progress and deliverables
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external partners to keep technical projects moving forward to ensure timelines and budgets are met

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Packaging Engineering or related field
• Minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience post-graduation in product development, manufacturing, or related engineering roles
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD software
• Experience with FEA / simulation tools (Abaqus preferred)
• Hands-on experience with prototyping and 3D printing
• Strong mechanical intuition and attention to detail
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, startup environment
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment

Preferred / Bonus

• Experience in manufacturing, metal forming, packaging, or industrial products
• Prior involvement in patent support or IP documentation
• Experience with KeyShot, SolidWorks Visualize, Blender, or similar rendering tools
• Basic experience creating technical animations or short product videos
• Familiarity with aluminum or high-volume manufacturing processes

Skills & Competencies

• Hands-on problem solver with a strong bias toward execution
• Design-for-manufacturing mindset
• Ability to communicate complex ideas through drawings, models, and visuals
• Organized and methodical while remaining flexible and adaptable
• Comfortable with wearing multiple hats and learning quickly
• Experienced with Microsoft 365 programs – Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Project

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and equity participation
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible work arrangements
• Direct involvement in platform technology with global sustainability impact
• Exposure to senior leadership and strategic technical decision-making
• A collaborative, low-bureaucracy environment focused on building real products